Sponsored by The Tire Rack

[Hujan]

Just talked to Michelin. According to the employee I spoke with, there is no plan in the immediate future to offer the PSS in 285/30/ZR19.

But he did note my request and indicated that customer requests are a big factor in decision-making when it comes to their product line. Translation: Give them a call!

http://www.michelinman.com/contact-us.page

[325rider]

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

Here are my PSSs, waiting for their debut. Problem is my Vreds have 6/32"F & 7/32"R left, but I bought the Michelins early to get the $70 card. I could go through most of the Winter with the current tires, but not sure I want to.

Anybody have an explanation as to why the tread depths are so different for these size tires? I have been trying to get a conclusive answer, have not...

[CSBM5]

Originally Posted by 325rider

Anybody have an explanation as to why the tread depths are so different for these size tires? I have been trying to get a conclusive answer, have not...

The tread depths (for new tires) are identical, but they look less on the wider tires which have narrower tread channels. When I bought my 255/35-19, 275/35-19 PSS, I measured them with a tread depth gauge due to the optical illusion, and they had identical tread depths.

The channel width varies with tire width -- as width goes up, the exact layout of the tread pattern changes, and there is often a distinct change (i.e. visually alluring) at a given width. I think the changeover happens with a 265 in the PSS and most other sizes.

It's simply a feature of how the tires are designed to be manufactured essentially...

[325rider]

Originally Posted by CSBM5

The tread depths (for new tires) are identical, but they look less on the wider tires which have narrower tread channels. When I bought my 255/35-19, 275/35-19 PSS, I measured them with a tread depth gauge due to the optical illusion, and they had identical tread depths.

The channel width varies with tire width -- as width goes up, the exact layout of the tread pattern changes, and there is often a distinct change (i.e. visually alluring) at a given width. I think the changeover happens with a 265 in the PSS and most other sizes.

It's simply a feature of how the tires are designed to be manufactured essentially...

Right I've noticed this. I couldn't help but figure some sizes were specifically designed one way or the other, and never really took into account the change in tread width. I suppose as you go with a wider contact patch you must also allow larger channels to prevent hydroplaning (e.g. a 275 will need larger channeling than a 225 given that its contact is so much wider it would hydroplane sooner). Its just crazy how much different the 275/35 PSS looks to other PSS in the lineup.

I have 255/35 275/35 on Advan RS 19x9 19x10 and feel like 265 on the 10" wheel is just too damn slim. I still haven't decided which setup I like better -_-

[BIGW0RM]

Does anyone know why the 265/35R19XL98Y KOE B (NOTICED KOE B ending)

is so much cheaper than the BSM version? Does it matter?

Michelin Pilot Supersports

1.) 265/35R19XL98Y KOE B @ 270.00

2.) 265/35ZR19XL 98Y B @ 273.00

3.) 265/35ZR19XL 98Y BSW @ 353.00

[aajami]

Originally Posted by Hujan

Just talked to Michelin. According to the employee I spoke with, there is no plan in the immediate future to offer the PSS in 285/30/ZR19.

But he did note my request and indicated that customer requests are a big factor in decision-making when it comes to their product line. Translation: Give them a call!

http://www.michelinman.com/contact-us.page

Thanks. I sent them a note.

[Hujan]

Originally Posted by aajami

Thanks. I sent them a note.

Excellent! I hope others do the same. It seems M3 owners have been asking for the 285/30/ZR19 for years. Hopefully it will come soon. Otherwise, its 255/275 for me.

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by ILSMKU

Does anyone know why the 265/35R19XL98Y KOE B (NOTICED KOE B ending)

is so much cheaper than the BSM version? Does it matter?

Michelin Pilot Supersports

1.) 265/35R19XL98Y KOE B @ 270.00

2.) 265/35ZR19XL 98Y B @ 273.00

3.) 265/35ZR19XL 98Y BSW @ 353.00

Curious as well. Is there any difference at all?

[aajami]

Originally Posted by Hujan

Excellent! I hope others do the same. It seems M3 owners have been asking for the 285/30/ZR19 for years. Hopefully it will come soon. Otherwise, its 255/275 for me.

I've been running 255/275 for 15 months. I love this tire, and the front is perfect, but there's too much sidewall with the 275/35. I don't know why Michelin won't make a 285/30...

[BIGW0RM]

Originally Posted by rjd598

Curious as well. Is there any difference at all?

I called Michelin and they said there is no difference. That resellers sometimes just market the tires at different prices depending on the car and add a few digits to the Michelin part number to differentiate them.

Unreal. That's BS if you ask me.

[kawasaki00]

Originally Posted by aajami

I've been running 255/275 for 15 months. I love this tire, and the front is perfect, but there's too much sidewall with the 275/35. I don't know why Michelin won't make a 285/30...

I agree with you on that, I know the 275 is a better match for the zcp but I am going to run 295 next just to get away from that huge sidewall. It makes the rear of the car look like it is lowered too much on my eibachs. To me for the rear to look right it needs to be at stock height with the 275/35

[rjd598]

Originally Posted by ILSMKU

I called Michelin and they said there is no difference. That resellers sometimes just market the tires at different prices depending on the car and add a few digits to the Michelin part number to differentiate them.

Unreal. That's BS if you ask me.

So which one is tire rack selling? It's between those two price ranges at $294 for the 265/35/19

[Hujan]

Originally Posted by kawasaki00

I agree with you on that, I know the 275 is a better match for the zcp but I am going to run 295 next just to get away from that huge sidewall. It makes the rear of the car look like it is lowered too much on my eibachs. To me for the rear to look right it needs to be at stock height with the 275/35

Pics? I have the same fear.

[BIGW0RM]

Originally Posted by rjd598

So which one is tire rack selling? It's between those two price ranges at $294 for the 265/35/19

I don't know? I bought mine from discount tire at 270 each. KOE B version or whatever you want to call them.

[tha_good_life]

I made a comment about the 285 a while back.

[ben@tirerack]

Originally Posted by rjd598

So which one is tire rack selling? It's between those two price ranges at $294 for the 265/35/19

There are a couple of different versions. The one currently at $294 is branded with an MO for Mercedes Original equipment, in this case for the SLS AMG.

There was one that was about the same price that was not original equipment for anyone. Those are mostly gone. There is 1 left at a price of $295 as of this writing, but essentially that version is done.

Then there is the version branded with an N0. That is Porsche original equipment. Porsche tires have letter N followed by a number. Higher number is not better or worse, just chronological based on how many versions Porsche has requested of that tire in that size. Those are $419. Porsche versions are often more different from the mainstream versions than other manufacturers' OE tires, though they are still certainly OK to use on other cars.

[dmppdx]

Originally Posted by ben@tirerack

There are a couple of different versions. The one currently at $294 is branded with an MO for Mercedes Original equipment, in this case for the SLS AMG.

There was one that was about the same price that was not original equipment for anyone. Those are mostly gone. There is 1 left at a price of $295 as of this writing, but essentially that version is done.

Then there is the version branded with an N0. That is Porsche original equipment. Porsche tires have letter N followed by a number. Higher number is not better or worse, just chronological based on how many versions Porsche has requested of that tire in that size. Those are $419. Porsche versions are often more different from the mainstream versions than other manufacturers' OE tires, though they are still certainly OK to use on other cars.

So how would the tires be different between the Porsche version and the non Porsche version or the AMG version?

[CSBM5]

Originally Posted by dmppdx

So how would the tires be different between the Porsche version and the non Porsche version or the AMG version?

OEMs have specific requests of tire manufacturers over the range of typical design parameters such as noise, comfort, wet grip, dry grip, etc. Hence sometimes tread patterns and compounds are altered along with perhaps tire carcass in rare instances.

I first ran into this many years back with the PS2 versus the PS2 MO version when I needed to replace a tire, and the regular PS2 wasn't available. The MO version had a substantially different tread pattern, i.e. the visible difference, not sure what else if any differences it had.

[SenorFunkyPants]

Between the unbranded, the Mercedes and Porsche versions, the only spec difference I can see is that the M0 version has a different fuel efficiency rating (C vrs E)....so I would probably avoid mixing that tyre with the other versions.
The unbranded and the N0 version maybe the same tyre but it would probably be best to stick to one type and not mix them.

[ben@tirerack]

Originally Posted by dmppdx

So how would the tires be different between the Porsche version and the non Porsche version or the AMG version?

They may differ in just about any aspect that you can imagine: tread pattern, internal components, compound, materials used for body plies and reinforcements, shape of the shoulder, etc.

Sometimes there is no discernible change, and it seems like the automaker might just put their 'seal of approval' on an existing design.

These changes may or may not show up in the basic specs. They might be visible on inspection of the tires or not. The exact changes that the automaker requests are considered proprietary to them, and are not widely disclosed. So the only differences we know for sure are what shows up in the specs and what people observe.

I have generally found it is OK to mix pairs (say 2 Mercedes rear and 2 regular front), and sometimes there is no choice. As noted above, there are often changes to the tread pattern based on size, so slight changes front vs back are generally tolerated. If given the choice, I would make all 4 the same spec (either same brand OE or none of them OE designated). I would try not to mix on the same axle.

[OneMmmm]

Is a load index of 94 too low for the rears on this car? My current PSS have 100. Unclear on what negative effects (if any) will come from a lower load index.

Please advise. Thanks!

[Gary@TireRack]

Originally Posted by OneMmmm

Is a load index of 94 too low for the rears on this car? My current PSS have 100. Unclear on what negative effects (if any) will come from a lower load index.

Please advise. Thanks!

A 94 load index tire has plenty of load capacity and can be used with no problem.